~ Private teacher for: Intermediate/Advanced/Professional students

~ Instrumental accompaniment for: rehearsals, competitions, recitals

~ Musical theater accompaniment: Keyboard-synthesizer player/coaching for rehearsals, performances

I also perform for:

~ Wedding ceremonies/receptions  

~ Corporate events

~ Private parties

I can also provide Flute & Piano duo, Violin, Cello & Piano trio, and a Jazz Trio for the above social events.

*Portable piano available

BIOGRAPHY

Known for his exceptional versatility, pianist Richard Sladek has performed professionally in the Chicago area for the past 20 years.

A Chicago native, he began playing piano at age seven with inspiration from his parents, later studying with John Calderone and Lydia Smutny Sterba. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University under the tutelage of Saul Dorfman and Felix Ganz. Other teachers have included concert pianists Dmitri Paperno ( DePaul University ), Robert VanderSchaaf, Donald Walker ( Northern Illinois University ), Pawel Chechinski and Joseph Cisar. He has also participated in master classes with University of Michigan piano professor Theodore Lettvin, and has studied jazz piano with Skip Green. His private theory and composition studies were with Ralph Dodds and the renowned composer William Russo. 

Mr. Sladek has been the recipient of several awards including those from the Chicago Musical Arts Club and the Grace Welsh National Piano Competition.  Professionally, he has served as staff accompanist for Columbia College and the Second City National Touring Company. He has also accompanied for ballet companies such as the Salt Creek Ballet, and The Academy of Movement and Music, as well as played for ballet master classes with the renowned Maria Tallchief, Violette Verde and Ken Von Heidecke.